Lives of the First World War

known 26th October 1917

A BRAVE SOLDIER - SHRAPNEL IN THE LUNGS The death in action is reported of Pte Herbert Taylor, Ches Regt, son of Mrs Rose, 1 Pool St, Macclesfield. The intimation was conveyed in the following letter from Lance-Sergt J Lewis, Gloucester Regt:- "I... have the painful duty of writing... to inform you of the death of your son, 49346 Pte Taylor... On the 9th inst he was near my trench making enquiries for his regiment when unfortunately a German shell burst near him, a piece of which passed through his right side into his lungs. The stretcher-bearers of my company attended to him immediately, but were unable to save his life. He died soon afterwards very peacefully as a brave soldier. Two of my men buried him that night as soon as it was dark..." Pte Taylor was born at Rhodes, near Middleton, Manchester, twenty years ago and came to live at Macclesfield with his parents seven years back. As a civilian he was employed as an embroiderer at Councillor A W Hewetson's, Albion Mill, and was connected with Brunswick Wesleyan Chapel and Sunday School. The late Pte Taylor enlisted before the outbreak of war at the age of seventeen. He was drafted out to France fourteen months ago and was expecting to come home on leave. Lance-Corporal William Taylor, his brother, is serving in the Manchester Regt and has been at the front two years. He is twenty-six years of age and was wounded in the back by a piece of shell on May 3rd. The lance-corporal was treated at the base hospital and afterward returned to the firing line.

Created by: , Rosie34810